A person who intentionally removes a communication device from an Iowa law enforcement officer would be guilty of a crime under a bill approved Monday by the Iowa Senate.

Senate File 384, which passed 50-0, says someone who removes or attempts to remove the device would be guilty of a simple misdemeanor, while someone who does it with the intent to interfere with the duties of a law officer would be guilty of a serious misdemeanor. In addition, if the officer was seriously injured, the offense could become a Class D felony.

“This is not something that happens every day, but it happens too often,” said Sen. Robert Hogg, D-Cedar Rapids, chairman of the Iowa Senate Judiciary Committee. Sen. Steve Sodders, D-State Center, who is a Marshall County deputy sheriff, said he supported the legislation, noting there are sometimes situations where a law enforcement officer is forced to deal alone with a combative person.